Palms reopening: William Hill greenlighted to operate sportsbook; new details revealed

UK gambling operator William Hill has been greenlighted by the Nevada Gaming Commission to manage the race and sportsbook at the Palms casino in Las Vegas upon reopening next Wednesday, April 27, under the new tribal ownership. The non-restricted gaming license for the business was unanimously approved after a hearing with the regulator on Thursday.

Conditions approved by state commissioners call for a surveillance system to be installed, inspected and approved by the Nevada Gaming Control Board within two months, and ticket writers must be employed by William Hill, reports Las Vegas Review-Journal.

William Hill is now owned by Caesars Entertainment, following a $4 billion acquisition a year ago. In conversation with the Gaming Control Board, Jeffrey Hendricks, senior vice president and assistant general counsel of regulatory and compliance for Caesars, said the operator intended to modernize the Palms book.

Upon reopening, the revamped Palms amenity is set to feature five betting stations and six kiosks. “It’s going to be a top-flight sportsbook project,” Hendricks told commissioners, according to the cited source. William Hill currently operates 124 locations in the state.

The iconic Palms Casino Resort is finally set to reopen after more than two years in the dark. New owner San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority -the business arm of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians- confirmed April 27 as the official public opening date for the property earlier this month.

The hotel has begun accepting room and suite reservations for stays beginning on April 28. The reopening, described by San Manuel as “a new chapter in Palms history,” will be celebrated with “a fireworks extravaganza” on opening night.

The tribe acquired the property, which remains closed since March 2020, from Red Rock Resorts last year for $650 million. Upon reopening, Palms will be making history by becoming the first resort in Vegas fully owned and operated by a Native American Tribe.

It's official! 🎉

Palms will be returning April 27th!

NOW accepting room reservations for stays beginning on April 28th, 2022. We are thrilled to welcome back guests! 🥳️

Book your stay with us at https://t.co/Vx6WnmryMW. pic.twitter.com/TuWpjuuYE6

— Palms Casino Resort (@Palms) April 5, 2022

Ahead of the date, Palms Casino Resort has now also unveiled its dining lineup. The resort said its All-You-Can-Eat buffet will return when the Palms reopens at 9 pm on Wednesday, and will operate for breakfast, dinner and weekend brunch.

New to the venue is the Serrano Vista Cafe, described by the Palms as offering California classics with fresh products and more. A spokesperson had previously announced the Scotch 80 Prime and Mabel’s BBQ by Chef Michael Symon would also be returning to the resort.

"It's our goal to deliver great dining options for our guests. From fine dining to classic smoked barbeque recipes to fast-casual options at Palms Pizza and our food court," Greg Van Stone, vice president of food and beverage, said in a press release retrieved by News 3.

The full list of signature restaurants returning after the two-year hiatus is: Mabel’s BBQ by Chef Michael Symon; Scotch 80 Prime; Tim Ho Wan; Send Noodles; A.Y.C.E. Buffet; Serrano Vista Cafe; Palms Pizza; Pool Cafe. The iconic Ghostbar, once a hot spot for celebrities, and the Pearl Theater, are expected to reopen this summer.

The wait is almost over 🔥

Palms is preparing to welcome guests back with signature restaurants:

✨ Mabel’s BBQ by Chef Michael Symon, with sports + live music!
✨ Scotch 80 Prime
✨ Tim Ho Wan
✨ Send Noodles
✨ A.Y.C.E. Buffet
✨ Serrano Vista Cafe
✨ Palms Pizza
✨ Pool Cafe pic.twitter.com/x4TE8b8wlk

— Palms Casino Resort (@Palms) April 20, 2022

While the venue is set to impress those visiting it for the first time, those who know it from before its extended closure might also find something new upon their return to the Palms. Having undergone more than a $600 million renovation in 2019, the resort boasts a diverse set of amenities and offerings.

The property also features an expansive resort pool area featuring a multi-level, sprawling 73,000-square-foot space offering two luxurious main pools and 39 unique cabanas, most with their own private pool. The space also features oversized daybeds and poolside lounge chairs throughout.

In terms of gaming space, the casino will now feature a refreshed casino floor, with new machines, and a new slot and table game layout - “pods” of slots that allow guests to chat while playing alongside friends as opposed to rows of machines, the casino said earlier this month.

The resort will also be introducing its new rewards program, Club Serrano, which is also in place at the tribe’s Yaamava’ Resort & Casino in California. And for those looking for non-gaming experiences, the 14 movie theaters inside the venue have been “completely redone,” with new reclining seats, a remodeled lobby and refreshed wall murals from local graffiti artists.